8,732
edits
Changes
→MB drops expander
So what happened to the several thousand MBX systems that were produced? According to a TI spokesman, the units were gobbled up by TI and Milton Bradley employees.
==="Beige" problems?===
A number of recent purchasers of the beige Tl99/4A consoles have reported problems getting non-TI cartridges to work. Last summer TI threatened third party software developers that it would modify the GROM (cartridge) port in new consoles in such a way that the console would be able to "read" non-TI cartridges. Although HCC has not been able to confirm this problem, we've been told it is limited to consoles that display a 1983 copyright on the title screen. HCC has not seen such a screen, either. Most, if not all consoles, display a title screen with a 1981 copyright.
===Just a little late===
Texas Instruments has published a book about home computers. Entitled "How to Feel at Home with a Home Computer," the 264-page book sells for $12.95. The book came out in mid-December, more than a month after the company dropped out of the home computer market.
===Infocom drops out===
Infocom, the maker of such games as ZORK I, II and III and Deadline, has reportedly changed its plans to translate its games for the 99/4A. This appears to have been a last minute decision since the company had already begun publishing ads in major computer magazines that indicated game versions for the TI 99/4A were available. The lack of an adequate distribution system was cited as the key reason for the change of plans.
===99er changes format===
By now everyone must know that 99er Home Computer Magazine is now called Home Computer Magazine. The magazine decided to try a more generic approach after TI announced that it was leaving the home computer market. The new format will provide coverage of TI and other computers. This is the third name change for the publication in the past two years. Formerly, it was called 99er Magazine.
===Mailing list offer===
TI will reportedly provide vendors of software and hardware with its lists of TI home computer owners. With some one million owners, estimates range up to two million, vendors may be able to launch huge direct-mail campaigns, though the costs may prove to be prohibitive to all but the very well-heeled.
===TI layoffs continue===
The real losers of TI's decision to leave the home computer market may well be the employees in Lubbock and Abilene. Texas, who built the 99/4A. A week before Christmas Some 500 workers were furloughed at the Abilene plant and another 100 were told they would be cut from the payroll at the Lubbock plant. Several hundred other employees involved in the production of the 99/4A in Lubbock were reassigned to other TI facilities in, Texas, company officials report.
'''<small>Newsbytes is a column of general information for Tl99/4A users. It will include product announcements and other items of interest. Vendors and others are encouraged to submit items for consideration. Items submitted will be verified by the staff before inclusion and edited to fit the Newsbytes format. Items may be mailed to the Compendium, P.O. Box 1343, Round Rock, TX 78680.</small>'''
